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Unicef claim women in the camps have been involved in selling sexual services in exchange for their journey or entry to the UK, the paper says.

The full extent of the problem, which has been circulated to intelligence agencies, the Ministry of Defence and the police, is not yet known as officials continue to work up a clearer idea of the scale of the sexual abuse.

'There is an intelligence gap on the sexual exploitation of migrants including minors, particularly in the context of a reported increase in the numbers of unaccompanied minors on the migration routes.

The document cites a Unicef report that warned unaccompanied children worked for months in 'near slave-like conditions' and that 'sexual abuse appears to have been commonplace'

The full extent of the problem, which has been circulated to intelligence agencies, the Ministry of Defence and the police, is not yet known as officials continue to work up a clearer idea of the scale of the sexual abuse

Prime minister Theresa May is due to attend the UN summit for refugees and migrants in New York tomorrow ahead of a second meeting on Tuesday called by Barack Obama where wold leaders will discuss the migrant crisis.

The Home Office said policing of the camps is France's responsibility, according to The Sunday Times, and added: 'No child should have to endure the conditions and dangers posed by the camps in Calais.

'We cannot directly intervene on French soil.

'However, we routinely share intelligence with law enforcement counterparts to target organised crime gangs and help potential victims.

'We continue to work together closely to identify vulnerable children in Calais who have family in the UK and are committed to bringing them to the UK quickly.'